A.D.U.

a.k.a. Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate, self-contained small living unit with bathroom and kitchen facilities located on the same lot as the single family residence. It can be either detached from or attached to the primary residence with a separate entrance. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADUs) is a unit with approximately 500 square feet of living space contained entirely within an existing single-family structure.

In response to the Bay Area’s regional housing shortages, Governor Brown signed three new laws (SB 1069, AB 2299 and AB 2406) in September 2016 to encourage the construction of ADUs and JADUs by easing the regulatory burdens and barriers of existing local laws. In response to these new state policies, the Palo Alto City Council adopted a new ADU and JADU ordinance on May 8, 2017. This ordinance became effective June 8, 2017. The City is currently studying options to update this ordinance.

Before:

One of the biggest keys to making an A.D.U. work with your home is a connecting driveway, or space to pour one. The picture on the right shows an example of what will be torn down and replaced with an A.D.U., while the photo on the left exhibits the type space needed to pour a necessary driveway.

AFTer

This A.D.U. isn't quite finished yet, so until then, here's what it will look like.